The late Sheriff Allen Bridge’s widow called on county commissioners this morning to appoint her husband’s chief deputy to fill Hays County’s top law enforcement job until a 2010 special election.

Surrounded by family members and supporters on the courthouse steps, Kathy Bridges said Sherman Brodbeck is a “true man of integrity” who should serve the next 24 months.

“Allen worked tirelessly during the campaign, always holding himself to a high degree of professionalism. He was overwhelmingly re-elected and his legacy should continue for the next 24 months as allowed by law,” Bridges said.

Bridges died early Dec. 6 after collapsing earlier the previous evening in his shower and was buried on Saturday near Dripping Springs, where he lived for more than 20 years. He was re-elected in November to a term that begins Jan. 1.

Brodbeck has said he would not run in the special election or for a full four-year term in 2012, said Pct. 3 Commissioner Will Conley, who is backing Brodbeck for the position.

“I’m trying, as we all should, to find the most apolitical solution possible to this sudden occurrence,” Conley said.

The commissioners court is expected to name a sheriff at their regular meeting 9 a.m. tomorrow.